[MacBean]

My new (and first) kilt's pleats curl outwards just to the left of the outer apron - but only the first 2-3 pleats. Is this to be expected, or is it related to the way I tighten it or store it? I keep all three buckles tightened the same amount. As far as storage goes, I am laying the kilt face down and rolling it from one side, storing it in a roll in a drawer.

[Paul]

Is the kilt wool?
I normally move my kilts about a bit if they hang up for more than a few weeks to stop that sort of thing happening - but my pleats have never really shifted on any of my wool kilts.

[MacBean]

Yes, it is a wool 5x. I do not hang it at all (instructions on some web site I saw).

[Bugbear]

I've done some experiments, after reading some of The Wizard of BC's advice on this issue, and this could be in the steeking of the kilt just above the bottom of the fell on the inside of the kilt.

The pleats on the left side want to sag outward with the fell stitching being a pivit point at the bottom. The steeking holds them in place on the other edge of the pleats.

It might be a matter of adjusting the steeking so the pleat is held strait. I don't know if your pleats are cut away above the fell on the inside, though.

* Sorry, it took a bit to write that. Someone else should try to explain it better.

[Tartan Hiker]

If several pleats are curling, it may well be a fitting issue. First, be sure that you are wearing it high enough. The top buckles should lie at your natural waist (not your jeans waist). Next, loosen the third (lower) buckle (if you have one) so that it is one hole looser than the top buckle on the right side.

[paulhenry]

Hanging is a better way of storing kilts, which website said to store them rolled?
Short term travelling is really about the only way I'd think of rolling them and it is good when you are packing a case, but long time I'd want to hang them so the pleats can hand down and largely free.
The pleat curl can be lots of things, but I suggest hanging you kilt for a while , and the press carefully with some steam and a damp cloth.

[MacBean]

I found the recommendation of rolling rather than hanging here: http://www.westcoastkilts.com/kilt-care.php

[NorCalPiper]

I've found this issue rampant with my less-than-8 yard kilts.

[paulhenry]

Originally Posted by MacBean

I found the recommendation of rolling rather than hanging here: http://www.westcoastkilts.com/kilt-care.php

\\\\\\\\\\\\he says his grandfather's kilt is carefully stored,i'm not sure he meant his normal wearing kilts. but if it works for you that is fine

[Bugbear]

Originally Posted by NorCalPiper

I've found this issue rampant with my less-than-8 yard kilts.

I suggest you talk to The Wizard of BC about your problem, NorCalPiper. He said he has fixed many of them, and even given instructions on how to do it. Since you have this problem with several of your kilts...